Prospect Watch

An injury slowed this QMJHLer's development at first, but the Flyers draft pick is eager to learn how to make the step up to the next level. Scouts often have a difficult decision to make on draft day: do you choose the talented kid who is healthy, or do you choose the really talented kid who has had injury problems?
The Flyers took the latter risk and made center Michael Chaput their first selection in the third round (89th overall) of the 2010 NHL draft.

Washington's second round pick from 2009 is gearing up for a North American arrival in the 2011-12 season. By Alessandro Seren Rosso
When the Washington Capitals selected Russian defenseman Dmitri Orlov in the second round (55th overall) of the 2009 draft, they knew they landed a promising player with lots of upside.

Drew, Nick, Quentin and Baker are all making strides in the hockey world, reminiscent of other hockey families before them. Hockey has always been a family game, from the Howes to the Sutters to the Staals. Now a clan from Colorado is staking its claim. The Shore boys – Drew (19), Nick (17), Quentin (16) and Baker (11) are quickly establishing a pedigree for excellence in the Rocky Mountain State.

The third-rounder from 2008 is getting used to life as a professional and stepping up his game as he nears the NHL. VOORHEES, N.J. – The Philadelphia Flyers, coming off a run in which they were two games from their first Stanley Cup championship since 1975, have few weaknesses in their depth chart.

Picked third overall by Florida in June, the big defenseman is now looking to earn a roster spot on the floundering franchise. By Anthony Murphy
Heading into the Florida Panthers training camp, fans will be awaiting the fate of 18-year-old defenseman Erik Gudbranson.

Undrafted by an NHL team through his eligible years, this scorer has finally found a home within the Flyers organization. When your name is among the offensive league leaders such as Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, everyone will assume you have already been drafted and will be jumping to the NHL in a year or two.

The Flyers draft pick, who doesn't shy away from the rough stuff, is willing to do whatever it takes to earn an NHL spot. VOORHEES, N.J. – If there’s anything the Philadelphia Flyers have had a surplus of in the past 40 years, it’s enforcers who specialize in beating the living daylights out of opponents.

Taking a look at two hot prospects honing their craft in Sweden. Had Victor Rask and Rasmus Bengtsson been home in Sweden last week, they might have been running with their club teams. Instead, they were working out with some of the best kids their age in Los Angeles and learning how to be hockey pros.

With Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier in the system, Jeff Zatkoff is often the forgotten man, but the youngster brings a lot to the table. Jonathan Bernier has been tagged by every media outlet in Los Angeles as the Kings’ future franchise goaltender. How do you think that makes someone like Jeff Zatkoff feel?
“I just try to worry about myself,” said Zatkoff, goaltender for the Manchester Monarchs of the American League.

The first overall pick in the QMJHL draft, Fournier was the player the Lewiston Maineiacs wanted all along. Heading into the Quebec League’s annual draft, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar had the first overall selection and defenseman Michael Matheson was seen as the top prospect.

Cedrick Desjardins was passed over when he was draft-eligible, but the Montreal Canadiens saw something in the New Brunswick native. As a goaltender, you can easily get down on yourself, especially when you’re undrafted after backstopping a Sidney Crosby-led Rimouski Oceanic team to the brink of a Memorial Cup.

The first overall pick in this year's OHL draft had a burning desire to play in the league and his family moved around the world to get him there. Alex Galchenyuk has yet to play a game in the Ontario League, but you’d already need a scorecard to follow his career.
“I’ve lived in Italy, Germany, Russia, U.